I just wanted to drop a note of thanks; I found out last night I quartered in Nicholl. Your methodology is a huge part of my arsenal.

Ali Imran Zaidi

I was feeling stuck, and Pilar’s seminar was just what I needed to approach my rewrites. Her class is perfectly structured, easy to comprehend, with valuable, digestible information to help guide your rewrite process. I recommend this class to anyone with a script in need of some tender loving care.

Alyssa Carter

Everyone I spoke with agreed with me, in that, as novice screenwriters, your class gave us more mechanics of the craft than any others we attended. Thank you for being there, and being accessible.

Amy Sheridan

I just wanted to tell you again how much I enjoyed your seminar.  Multiple lightbulbs clicked on for how I can make some key changes to improve my screenplay.  Thanks so much for the useful and inspiring info!

Amy Masterman

I took your class in San Francisco a couple of weeks ago.  You were so inspiring that I have written 30 pages of my script since I attended your class and I’m on a roll.

Arla Escontrias

I just wanted to say thanks so much for the other night. It was exactly what I needed. I’ve been pffaffing around with about four ideas, constantly procrastinating – based in a fear that I don’t know enough to write a screenplay yet. And you gave me the confidence to just get started. It’s a pretty messy at the moment but at least it’s getting on the page.

Ansuya Nathan

Pilar is a muse!   I took her rewrite class and wrote more in 6 weeks than I have in 6 months.  Her keen ability to zero in on story opportunities, character, and what to edit is second to none… And she is fun!  I left every class on cloud nine and bursting at the seams with a plethora of ideas.  

Barbara Groth 

 

I took the class you gave the Disney fellows and writers. Your techniques helped me get my first offer on my first reality show pitch!

Bernadette Rivero

 

Unlike the many page-counting cookbook methods out there that dictate your movie, beat-by-beat, Pilar’s methods foster a solid structure, while still giving room for inspiration and spontaneity. She gives you a form to work with, not a formula.  Best of all, her exercises and steps are repeatable and able to be used script after script.Thanks for everything, Pilar. Your energy and coaching mean the world to me!

Brendan O’Neill

I wanted to say that having you join us at Disney was a huge game changer for my writing, but also just how I view myself and my career. When you speak, you radiate positivity, and I think that was infectious to all the folks that came to class

Cameron Stephens

Your class was so great. The rewriting process always used to be very overwhelming to me. But now that you’ve taught me the different passes and how to use them, it doesn’t seem so daunting. This will absolutely change the way I outline and write from here on out. I can honestly already see myself thinking about other script ideas differently because of your class. It’s really going to streamline my process.

Carl Keitz

What a fun, educational ride! I haven’t stopped telling friends and colleagues about it.

Carlos Portugal, Showrunner  – East Los High

The way you teach – by getting us to work goddammit! – is a great way of engaging us and personally I had several small breakthroughs because of it. So: thank you.

Charlotte

Pilar’s On the Page curriculum and The Coffee Break Screenwriter was invaluable in taking me from a novice screenwriter to being accepted into the Warner Bros Writers’ Workshop and, subsequently, being staffed on a critically acclaimed show. I trust Pilar’s tools and methodology implicitly. Her knowledge of story, structure and process is masterful.

Charmaine DeGraté, Co-EP – House of the Dragon, Daisy Jones & the Six

Pilar Alessandra’s screenwriting techniques are among the most valuable I’ve ever come across.  She takes a systematic approach to every step of the process, carefully guiding the writer from concept to final draft.

Chris Sparling, writer  –  Buried

I was amazed at how fast 3 hours went by – like 30 minutes!  You gave us a way of working that allows us to see around all the curves in the road.  You are like a best friend who says, Dude, that way, there: now go! Thank you for the directions to my future. I promise not to squander the gift you’ve worked so hard to give us writers. I will not turn back or wander into the woods. And I will see you at the finish line.

Christopher Nagel

Pilar’s methods are easy to understand, effective and empowering. They have always helped me get to the next level. I wish I could have Pilar sitting next to me at my desk every time I write!

Christy Stratton, Co-Executive Producer – Bless the Hearts, Awkward, Raising Hope, and King of the Hill.

I want to say THANK YOU for all of your help. Your class and writing group have given me a confidence and push that were needed for me to go forward. All I do is think about writing, next ideas (I’ve got a good one for you!) and work in front of Final Draft.

Christian Andersen

I just completed Pilar’s online seminar. Having been writing for several years, I always found 110 blank pages to be a bit daunting. Pilar’s straightforward step-by-step methodology makes developing and writing a screenplay extremely manageable. The worksheets are a great guide and take you beat by beat through the process of developing your screenplay. This is exactly the craft techniques I have been searching for.

Craig Hanna

Such a quality crowd and so positive to be around.   The presentation drilled in your points because the clips were so clear, precise and to the point.  I was never bored the entire weekend.

Cynthia Cason

I am absolutely thrilled that you are offering this online class.   The information you present, both in your class, and in your books is so easily explained and digested.  I’ve also been listening to your podcasts which are ripe with information and ideas.

Deanna Breuer de Palacios

Thanks so much for an incredible day of seminars! Everyone I’ve run into was completely blown away!

Diane Pearlman, Executive Director Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative

Pilar has an uncanny sense of story – and the remarkable generosity to share it. Her insights get straight to the heart of the matter, and she delivers them hand in hand with actionable techniques that work for writers time and time again. From her book to her classes to her long-running podcast, Pilar Alessandra is an unbelievable – and unbelievably dedicated – resource for screenwriters.

 

Eileen Jones, writer – Lethal Weapon (TV Series), Prodigal Son

 

Wanted to fill you in about the script I completed in your rewrite class — it has gotten me tons of meetings all over town and representation. I appreciate your teachings and will continue to value everything you taught me as I hone my skills as a writer.

Eli Benavidez

I am getting a ton out of the class & the exercises.  It is making my writing better – in real time, right now! It’s great to feel things moving forward, and also so refreshing and rare to have someone lead the way who makes it all seem so doable – not like something mysterious that is wrapped in some kind of crazy creative code that needs to be figured out.

Eric Rudnick

I used your 8-sequence method and applied it to the 4-act structure of a TV pilot and finished it a week ago.  Thank you for giving me a new way to break stories down and not be intimidated by a blank page.

Foster Solomon

Just wanted to thank you for your TV Pilot and New Series Workshop which I took in May.  I used the tools you taught us on a script I submitted to Disney/ABC Writers Program and was able to get a semi-finalist spot out of 1500!

Gil Hizon

You taught me at the London Screen Writers Festival how to pitch myself for representation. I went for it at the festival pitching to five agents, two ideas – loglines also from your session! I was followed up with emails FROM the agents and sent over my calling card scripts….five months later I finally got signed by one of those agents on Thursday!!!!!. Thank you so so much for being part of my journey.

Hayley November

I got more than inspiration. Where I saw “holes,” Pilar saw “opportunity.” Something about the way Pilar taught made everything CLICK. Things started to happen for me as a screenwriter. After using the techniques I learned in Pilar’s pitching class, I signed with my manager, which led to a screenplay option. When I needed to do a quick rewrite for talent, the tools Pilar had given me in her classes and writing groups gave me the confidence I needed. She made my writing shine even “under the gun.” And now, thanks to Pilar, I have another spec ready!

Heather Ragsdale

During this 2 day class, I gained far more information on screenwriting that I did during a 3 year course at university. Pilar addressed any and all concerns I had as a newbie to the screenwriting world and has left me creatively pumped!

Jack Gregson

Pilar has taken my career to the next level. Her inspiring effective tools and write-now approach gets the draft done with immediacy. I conceived a new pilot idea on the spot in her TV Pilot Workshop, wrote a draft in her First Draft class, and got final notes in a consult. That pilot went on to place top 5 in the TrackingB contest and landed me literary representation. Pilar is my lucky go-to teacher!

Jamie Anderson, writer / director

Thank you so much for this incredible experience. I just started writing about 6 months ago and your class has dumped some fuel to the fire! You have a very warm teaching style and made this an accessible and enjoyable experience for everyone. I feel like a have a really great toolbox.  Many, many thanks!!!

Jamie Bozeman

Thanks for all the great resources you provide! I took your rewrite workbook course back in March and ended up adapting my screenplay into a web series.  Using your idea for scene buttons and 10 min blocks made great milestones for a web show format. I have produced, directed and am now posting the episodes and our audience is growing! Your ideas, guests, and teaching have certainly helped me get to this spot!

Jason Baumgardner, Creator  – The League

You are by far my favorite screenwriting teacher.  Your book and online video class have changed my life. I was able to shoot my feature because of your exercises.  Plus, I am currently in consideration at Sundance for their feature development track.

Jeff Orig

I went there with barely a logline.  In that one day, you helped me break the entire story, with five fully developed characters that I didn’t even know I had inside me yet.  By the time the retreat was over, I had a detailed outline with every scene mapped out. Everything just flowed!  Once I started writing my pages it was even better. I really cannot imagine how far you helped me go in one day, and then how easy it was to change the entire skeleton of the story using your basic beats.  I can’t thank you enough!!

Jen

Thanks so much for coming up to Boston and sharing some knowledge with us on Tuesday.  I learned so much in such a short period of time.  I haven’t put it “on the page” in a few months, you have pulled me out of my funk!

Jerry Kenney

Pilar’s approach to scriptwriting has proven to be an incredibly efficient way to transform my ideas from a pile of loosely affiliated thoughts into a polished, effective screenplay. She takes the seemingly monumental task of writing a feature script and breaks it down into easily manageable parts…It’s a great system that unlocks and channels a writer’s creativity, and her positive energy, sharp eye and writing expertise make her a fantastic teacher and consultant. Pilar rocks!

Jesse Wolfe, Professor at Savannah College of Art and Design, Writer-Director – Eye of the Hurricane

Thank you so much for your presentation at the AFM. It was not only an amazing learning experience but also the most entertaining lecture that I ever attended.

Jo Rauen

The script I wrote in Pilar’s class received attention and positive feedback from a writing manager.  Though I’d written pilots before, “Writing the First Draft” was the start of a new era in my writing. Whenever writing a new feature or pilot script, I always go back to the slides from class. I’ve sent several of my writing friends to Pilar since!”

Jo Rochelle, Writer – Good Trouble

Thank you so much for all the gems of wisdom you have shared with us. Your class has freed me up and inspired me. You have such a creative way coaxing out the subconscious. Stanislavski said it is like trying to coax a deer out from the woods. You have done it by awakening my inner child. Seeing the game in each scene has changed me. I feel like a sponge and cannot get enough. I really am enjoying it. I have already thanked you in my imaginary academy award speech.

John McCrite

I think what comes through perhaps strongest of all, from now both the classes I’ve taken with you, is your absolute sincerity in how much you’re rooting for us all to succeed and I don’t want you to think that has gone unnoticed for even a second.

John Norton

I took just two classes with you, one in LA and the Coffee break screenwriter here in my city, Miami.  Thanks to your lessons, I could apply the same principles in Spanish and in 2011 in Panama (my native country), four (4) theatrical plays written by me were produced.  I am so happy, I wish to see you soon in Miami again!!….

Jonathan Prosper

In just two days I was able to develop a full rewrite plan and take my screenplay to the next level. In a fully entertaining format with well-organized presentations and handouts as well as fun video examples, Pilar led us through a thorough and professional rewrite process. Highest recommendation!

 

Judith Resell

I’m getting great feedback from Saturday’s meeting. Some have said it was the best presentation we’ve ever had!

Karla Olson, President of the Publishers and Writers of San Diego

 

Thanks for an amazing rewrite class! The writing exercises helped me discover things I had no idea my characters could do, needed or wanted. Wow!

Kathleen Mullin

Pilar is AMAZING! I started as a student of hers over ten years ago and have since become a client. I can say without a doubt that her notes on everything from pitches to drafts are laser sharp and extremely helpful. She speaks “writer” and gives concise, respectful feedback that only enhances your final product.

Karin Gist, Executive Producer – Star, Mixed-ish, Our Kind of People

THANK YOU again for such a wonderful class.  Really.  Everything is presented in such a tangible, actionable and concise way to force the core of the story to the surface, that it gave me light years’ worth of speed in finishing my pilot. 

Kevin Hanna

I was recently accepted into a career launch “accelerator” program.  I used the 1/2-hour comedy/mystery TV pilot that I developed in your First Draft class as my application sample. I definitely wouldn’t have had that in such good shape if I hadn’t taken your classes so thank you!

Liz Renner

I absolutely loved taking Pilar’s class.  As a working tv writer, I signed up because I’ve struggled in the past to complete an original feature in my television down time.  I wanted someone to give me assignments and something more than self-imposed deadlines.  What I got was, honestly, so much more than that.

Pilar is so meticulous and able to break things down in such a structured, manageable, inspiring way.  I feel like she gave me the tools to approach my feature with confidence (rather than being intimidated) and gave me the inspiration (and the deadlines) to commit and to finally finish it.

Liz Tigelaar, Writer/Producer – Little Fires Everywhere, Nashville, Revenge, Once Upon A Time, Life Unexpected, Brothers and Sisters

I have been using a lot of what I learned in your class with with my writing.  In fact, it was going back to your very simple character development notes that helped me revise the novel I just sold.

Lane Morris Buckman

I have plenty to gush about but I know you’re on the run so I’ll be brief. I can’t wait to apply what you taught us to my current draft and try out the whole process on my next screenplay. You are the best thing that’s happened to screenwriting since I started eight years ago. Thanks very much for sharing your hard won knowledge.

Mark Martino

I don’t know how many other books and classes and techniques I’ve tried over the past few years, but yours is the one that is making it really click for me and getting me into action, finally. Your techniques for generating story are like magic.

Thank you again and I can’t wait to take another class with you again soon!

 

Mary-Alice Farina

 

I’ve had the fortune to have worked with a couple great mentors in my life. Pilar Alessandra is in a league of her own. A gifted “story surgeon,” equipped a laser sharp ability to go see the story from multiple angles and go right to the heart of what’s not working, while enhancing what is. As a teacher she is humble, assessable and direct with the objective to clarify the writer’s voice and elevate their craft to the highest possible level. Every serious writer needs a Pilar.

Matthew Riopelle, Creator/Writer –  The Good Mother, Zoe, Gone – Lifetime TV

I would not be a working screenwriter if it weren’t for Pilar. She’s helped turn my scripts into exciting, page-turning reads – and she’s taught me to break all the right rules to make my writing good enough to sell!

Melissa Cassera,  writer – nine movies for Lifetime Network

Pilar, thank you.  Your seminar was an eye opener for me in realizing what it takes to become a professional screenwriter.  You inspire a level of excellence and story craft that will continue to push and inspire me. I used the concepts in the rewrite course to accelerate and give depth to my first draft… and the results were fantastic! We locked picture in 2008 and have been gradually working the festival circuit, winning the critic’s choice award at the Oldenburg Film Festival, and Best Feature and Best of Festival at the Lake Arrowhead Film Festival a few months ago. Tomorrow, we are the gala centerpiece screening for the Downtown Film  Festival Los Angeles.

Michael Bruce Adams

After the thrill of finishing a new draft of my comedy pilot I got stuck in the I-know-it-isn’t-working-but-I-can’t-figure-out-why place for several weeks. The rewrite seminar taught me some specific and applicable revision techniques AND gave me a fresh boost of energy to take my script over the finish line.

Michelle Mann

You have a talent for taking an icon of an American Dream, “Screenwriter” and making it seem absolutely within reach of the part-time writer.

Misty McAfee

Six weeks ago I made a point to finish the first draft of my first TV pilot.  Thanks greatly to your process and guidance, I accomplished that goal today.

Mitch Lusas, Executive Producer | Hidden Planet Productions

I took Pilar’s Rewrite Class and was completely blown away by her professionalism and incredible insight into the craft of writing! The in-class exercises and film clips that she uses totally crystallize the various techniques that not only fine-tune your draft but serve as lessons that stick with you and make you a better writer overall.  Her feedback and comments were invaluable – she forced me to dig deep and find the story that was screaming to be told. Every writer (aspiring, up and coming, or established) needs a good coach – and I found that in Pilar.  I highly recommend her if you want to take your writing to the next level!

Monica Macer, Executive Producer – Queen Sugar, MacGyver, Consulting Producer – Station Eleven

After several rough drafts, I decided to try Pilar’s “Six Steps to a Rewrite” class and my writing partner and I followed up with a script consultation. The combination of her helpful worksheets and invaluable notes really pushed our screenplay to the next level. We are thrilled to say that it recently sold. We couldn’t have done it without her.

Monica Mullens & Chris Warren

Thank you again for such an amazing class yesterday! This was the first class that I actually came away with some great actionable information.  I’ve been to so many classes and seminars that was just a waste of time and money. But after yesterday, I walked away informed and truly inspired.

Monique Gramby

Thanks so much for a wonderful class.  I’m thrilled about what I learned. Your approach is much different–and better–than the typical screenwriting workshop.  You are a real inspiration.

Nancy Revak

I really enjoyed the rewrite class. The light bulb went on in my head today that I’m actually having FUN rewriting my script.

Naomi Beaty

Pilar is a screenwriting genius.  She has a mind for story and story structure that is unparalleled.  There is no question that I am a better writer for having had the opportunity to learn from her. I’ve come across a lot of screenwriting gurus and methodologies in the last 15 years, but no one has ever made the craft and art of screenwriting so clear-cut and utterly achievable.  She helps writers get the stories out of their heads and onto the page in a way that doesn’t compromise the writer’s idea and that makes that idea both accessible and marketable to the industry.  Pilar is, quite simply, a little better than the best.

Nick Johnson

Pilar’s sweet guidance and honest approach to discovering one’s plot, characters and dialogue is truly unmatched. When it comes to developing your great story, no one else does it better.

Nick Oleksiw, Director of Development, Reel FX

The woman of the match for me was Pilar Alessandra, who with grace and efficiency got down to the nitty-gritty of dialogue and how to navigate it to your script’s advantage. Inspirational, I thought. I high-tailed it to the book sale going on at Heringham Hall to pick up a DVD of On The Page, but alas, they were sold out.

Nun-With-A-Gun Productions

Not a fan of blowing smoke but you were brilliant. Really clear, concise, easy to follow segments. A genuinely enjoyable & informative watch.  When I started writing and studying over a decade ago I found a lot of  ‘don’t do this’, ‘don’t do that’ advice, only to then see ‘this’ & ‘that’ turn up routinely in most screenplays I read. I really appreciate the clarifications and at times validations I got from your video.

Paul Ager

I just completed Pilar Alessandra’s two-day, in-person, script writing program, “Rewrite Techniques.” No doubt, I am a better screen writer now than I was two days ago.? Pilar knows her stuff and is outstanding on the fly. She listened to everyone’s loglines and other ideas and provided amazing feedback on the spot. This experience was a bargain based upon how much information I received and how I have already improved my script based on some of the techniques she showed me. Highly recommend.

Peter Burns

I finished a first draft of a script that I created and developed entirely with the exercises in your book and from having attended some of your previous classes. It was awarded second prize in the Euroscript 2018 Screenwriting Competition. So massive thank you for that.

Rebecca Jean-Carroll

Using Pilar’s techniques you can’t help but write…and write well.  Her methods do not dwell on confusing theory or one-size-fits-all templates.  She’s about character, story and getting your idea on the page.  After just one class, I went to work on an older script and am now a 2009 Nicholl quarterfinalist and a client for life.  Thank you Pilar!

Robert Paulson

 

I walked into your workshop with just the smallest kernel of an idea. I didn’t have any ideas about characters or plot or scenes, just a vague concept of what would happen if someone made a funeral interesting… By the end of the workshop, I had the entire plot, most of the characters, several scenes written, and most of the outline already worked out. That small kernel grew into a workable script in just a few days. Bottom line: Thanks for an awesome workshop. You are a fantastic teacher and so good at what you do.

Sean Finn

I had the privilege of taking Pilar’s Rewrite Techniques class and was blown away by Pilar’s insight for the mechanics of screenwriting. Not only does she give you the nuts and bolts to build or rebuild your script, Pilar is engaging, fun, and nurturing. I walked away with many techniques that will revamp and tighten my TV pilot, making it more visual and dynamic. I will also apply these techniques to my future projects, both TV and film. So whether you’re a seasoned writer with a finished draft or a newbie starting to plot your storyline, you will benefit from the Rewrite Techniques class. Screenwriters serious about their craft should learn from a master – and her name is Pilar.

Shannon Keenan

Sometimes it’s astonishing how much there is still to learn. But then Pilar is an astonishing teacher who sent me off fizzing with ideas to inject life into what I thought was a moribund idea. If only five thousand miles didn’t separate us the rest of the time.

Simon Rose

 I spent about 4 hours re-writing/ editing and your ideas are golden.  The story essence is emerging like a clear face, not a fuzzy one.  I can’t thank you enough.

Steve Keating

I truly enjoyed the Coffee Break class last week! I have never written a script before nor, done any kind of writing like that in my entire life thus far!! That has all changed now!  The entire shell of our movie was laid out before us during your class.

Sue Paine

Thank you for giving us the clarity on how to clear so many pages in a short amount of time! These tools you teach are invaluable and will now be part of my writing process.

Tim Van Mieghem

Your time and approach are immeasurable.  With work, you’ll see my first script to screen soon and I can now say that Pilar Alessandra aided in my process.

Tieuel Legacy Motion

Your presentation and handouts nailed it for me, giving me solid tools to move from novelist voice/skill set to the mindset/voice of the screenwriter. I love tools that sharpen what you already possess.  You have a gift.

Toni Holm

Pilar helped me take my storytelling to the next level. I would not be the writer I am today without her.
Like a great doctor, she listens and observes and then accurately not only diagnoses/pinpoints the exact problems, but also suggests cures that actually work.
Pilar can help take any scene or story from good to great. I love this woman!

Tracie Laymon, writer/director

I want to thank you personally for all that you do to help aspiring writers like myself get our ideas on paper. You have pretty much given us filmmakers a blueprint on how to approach an idea and develop it into a story and this is priceless information IMHO.

Usman R.

I’m Vanessa, one of your translators for the 3-day screenwriting course you did in Beijing last spring. I’m writing to say THANK YOU! Your class and your words really inspired me and gave me the courage to apply for MFA screenwriting program in the US. And guess what? I’m admitted by AFI conservatory!

Vanessa

I’d like to take this opportunity to say again what an eye-opener this workshop has been for me. Learning about all these elements and building blocks … opened a whole new writing world for me. They don’t feel like formula but like parameters that make so much sense and actually enable story rather than limit it.

Vera Mark

I just watched the recording. This was amazing.  Every writer should take this course.  It connected the piece for me.  I am going to watch with one of my scripts in front of me. To be honest, I will probably watch it a few too many times again. 

 

Vicki McWilliams

I recently wrote my first feature but had no idea what to do next. Pilar’s ‘Rewrite Techniques’ class gave me not only inspirational sparks on how to improve this story moving forward but also tools I can continually implement on future scripts.

Z. Joseph Guice